Mouth cancer revealed to be tenth most common cancer in men
Cancer Research UK has revealed that oral cancer is currently the tenth most common cancer in men. Oral cancers include cancer of the lips, tongue, mouth, tonsils and the middle part of the throat.
Research shows that 7,300 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in the UK in 2012 and 2 times more men than women were diagnosed with the disease (4,900 males and 2,400 females).
According to Cancer Research UK, there has been a large increase over the past ten years, rising from nine per 100,000 people in 2002 to twelve per 100,000 in 2012.
In addition, of the 2,300 people who passed away from oral cancer in the UK last year, around 1,500 were men and 770 women.
Research suggests that around 9/10 oral cancer cases in the UK are linked to major lifestyle and other risk factors, with 65 per cent of diagnosed cases linked to tobacco smoking. The human papilloma virus (HPV), alcohol consumption and a diet low in fruit and vegetables have also been linked to oral cancer.
Due to the sharp rise in oral cancer cases, Cancer Research UK is launching a new toolkit for dentists and GPs to help try and spot the disease earlier. The toolkit for health professionals shows images of oral cancer signs and symptoms, and outlines how GPs and dentists should refer patients for further tests.
Professor Richard Shaw, a head and neck surgeon based at the University of Liverpool involved in developing the new toolkit, stated that “We know that the vast majority of oral cancer cases could be prevented, so it’s important that people know how to reduce the risk of the disease through lifestyle factors.
“Alongside this, it’s vital that GPs and dentists can spot signs and symptoms of the disease to help catch it early and that they feel confident in knowing the next steps they should take in referring patients for further tests.”
Professor Damien Walmsley, chief scientific advisor to the British Dental Association, has noted the importance of preventing the disease. He said: “If oral cancer is spotted early survival rates can reach 90 per cent. Delay is costing lives, so it’s vital that front line health professionals have the tools and the information to reduce the risk of the disease and get patients diagnosed as quickly as possible.
“We are proud to team up with Cancer Research UK, and we urge all those who work in the oral health field to make use of this toolkit.”
